Rooted in sustainability

In the dynamic world of landscape construction, where aesthetics often dominate the conversation, Kūmānu Environmental leads with something more grounded: sustainability as a core principle, not a ‘nice to have’

Based across Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island), Kūmānu Environmental is a well

established environmental company with more than 280 staff across three divisions. Its

project portfolio spans commercial and residential subdivisions through to complex conservation and restoration projects.

For the team behind the name, success is rooted in values that go much deeper than surface level.

Will Morrison is a senior landscape architect at Kūmānu Environmental. He discovered his passion for the industry at high school before taking it further at Lincoln University.

“I always knew I wanted to do something in horticulture, but it was a landscape architecture

paper at Lincoln that opened my eyes to how design could influence the environment for the better,” says Will.

His degree, alongside early stints at Urban Paving and nearly a decade in residential landscape architecture, laid the foundation for his current role, which he’s held since 2023.

Diverse work, unified approach

Kūmānu means ‘to nurture, care for, or cherish’; something applied to all landscaping work the company undertakes across a range of residential, commercial, civil and public projects.

Some clients seek Kūmānu Environmental out for this approach; others discover it during the process. “We’ve had clients come to us because they’ve seen what we deliver and others who’ve found us because they align with our philosophy,” Will explains.

“Either way, sustainability is a goal in everything we do. If we can make a project 5% or 10% more sustainable, that all adds up over the long run.”

When it comes to materials, locally milled hardwoods are often chosen over imported alternatives. In playground construction, recycled rubber matting is often used from suppliers such as NuMat and Play Matta.

“Finding ways to reuse what already exists on site is always a big win for us and can be financially beneficial for the client too.”

Low-impact landscaping

The Mahitahi River project, a regrading initiative, illustrates both Kūmānu Environmental’s

sustainable construction practices and its strength in navigating complex consent conditions. “For that project, we did a number of things to minimise our impact on the environment, including diverting the water flow away from our worksite, relocating fish further up- or downstream, and carefully managing bird habitats,” explains Will.

“Instead of carting material off-site, we changed our excavation method to reuse soil and silt on-site. That small shift made a huge difference.”

Conservation in collaboration

Kūmānu Environmental’s skill at managing diverse work comes down to collaboration. From engaging ecologists and engineers to working with specialist contractors, shared expertise delivers better results.

“We’ve won tenders because of the strength of our partnerships,” says Will. “There’s no point

pretending you can do it all. Bring in the experts and be clear about your own strengths.”

Sometimes collaboration comes from the communities directly invested in the projects Kūmānu Environmental works on. Wakefield Playground, in the Faulkner Bush Scenic Reserve on SH6, is one such project. Designed to incorporate input from the local community, it reflects the company’s belief in responsive, evolving design. Rather than a fixed brief, it became a

collaborative effort involving council, community and contractors.

Again, sustainability was integrated throughout. Old bollards were repurposed, existing roadways became pathways, bark was composted and reused, and eco-sourced planting was prioritised. “The level of buy-in was incredible,” says Will. “Members of the local community would come by the site offering to supply materials or contribute however they could – it was that kind of project.”

Recognition and connection

As an RML member, Kūmānu Environmental sees real value in industry recognition and connection.

The RML network offers opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from peers across the country, while participation in the Young Landscaper of the Year and Landscapes of Distinction is much more than just great exposure.

“It’s about recognising the collective effort that goes into these projects,” says Will. “It’s a celebration of the people who make it all happen.”

In turn, Kūmānu Environmental’s work is a celebration of people and the places they interact with, while ensuring it always practises what it preaches and approaches each job with the same question: how can we leave this place better than we found it?